February 18, 2021

The Group 2 $250,000 Iron Jack Silver Slipper Stakes at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday further shapes the world’s richest race for two year olds as Sydney continues toward one of the most anticipated Longines Golden Slippers in decades.

The Australian Turf Club welcomes more Members and spectators back to live racing and award-winning hospitality for a feature-packed nine-race card ahead of the official start of the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival.

All tickets and hospitality for Saturday and upcoming races at Rosehill Gardens and Royal Randwick must be pre-purchased online at TheRaces.com.au

In another of this season’s high-class group of two-year-olds, Chris Waller trained Home Affairs ($3.80 TAB jockey James McDonald), the James Cummings trained Godolphin pair Paulele ($3.70 TAB favourite Hugh Bowman) and Zethus ($6.50 TAB Rachel King), and Richard and Michael Freedman stable’s Tiger Of Malay ($6 TAB Josh Parr) are the leading chances in betting.

The winner of Saturday’s race gains automatic entry to the Group 1 $3.5 million Longines Golden Slipper, Sydney’s iconic race for two year olds at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday 20 March.

Four of the last nine winners of the Iron Jack Silver Slipper have gone on to win the Longines Golden Slipper, including last year’s champion Farnan.

Australian Turf Club Executive General Manager Racing and Wagering James Ross said this year’s crop of two-year-olds were amongst the strongest in many years.

“The Silver Slipper is a pivotal race ahead of the Longines Golden Slipper and Saturday’s field further highlights the great depth of form in this season’s two-year-old races,’’ Mr Ross said.

The Group 2 $400,000 City Tattersals Club Hobartville Stakes has attracted a stunning field of Australia and New Zealand’s best three year olds.

The unbeaten Kiwi galloper Aegon from the renowned stable of Murray Baker and Andrew Forman heads TAB markets at $3.90 for jockey Hugh Bowman.

High-class colt Peltzer, a winner of six of his nine starts for trainers Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexia ($4.20 TAB Tim Clark) and Hawkes Racing’s North Pacific ($4.60 TAB James McDonald) are next in markets in a stellar field.

“The Hobartville Stakes is a race stacked with quality and brings great interest from one of New Zealand’s most successful stables, taking on the best in Sydney,’’ Mr Ross said.

The Group 2 $200,000 Irresistible Pools & Spas Millie Fox Stakes is another feature race on Saturday.

The Bjorn Baker trained and Josh Parr ridden Positive Peace ($3.40 TAB) and Madam Rouge ($3.50 TAB) for Chris Waller and James McDonald are vying for favourtism.

The Listed $140,000 Parramatta Cup sees a number of horses begin middle and long distance Sydney Autumn campaigns.

Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott’s emerging stayer Sacramento is a $2.40 TAB favourite for jockey Sam Clipperton ahead of the Kris Lees UK-imported galloper Collide ($4.80 TAB) to be ridden by Brenton Avdulla.

The Rosehill Gardens track was rated a Heavy 8 on Thursday morning with a full track report with racecourse Manager Shaun Patterson available here:

Gates open at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday at 11.45am with Race 1 due to start at 1pm.

For all racing, general, hospitality and ticketing information go to TheRaces.com.au